DSunday 16 Junethe ninth edition of the horseback ride will be held “In the footsteps of the Saint”organized by the association Trails and Horses. The event, which over the years has received a notable success between members and supporters, it will see the participation of approximately one hundred knights who will face a historical journey of great importance.
The route will run from the municipality of Camposampiero along the course of Muson dei Sassipassing through Campodarsegountil reaching Padua. Participants will symbolically retrace the last journey of Sant ‘AntoniofromFranciscan Oratory of Camposampiero up to Arcella church, where the Saint died. In the afternoon, crossing the center of Padua, they will reach the churchyard of the Basilica del Santo. This will take place here blessing of horses and ridersofficiated by Father Prior of the Franciscan friarsand greetings fromSports Councilor, Diego Bonavinatogether with other authorities present.
After this moment of great meaningthe participants will continue their journey, always on horseback, towards Piazza Castelloand then walk along the walls and Porta Trentofinally concluding the event in the parking lot of the Euganean Stadium. A special thanks is aimed at the authorities of the municipalities of Padua, Camposampiero And Campodarsegoat the Province of Padua and to Veneto regionas well as to Franciscan friars Of Camposampieroof theArcella and of Basilica of the Saint, for their precious contribution in organizing this walk, overcoming multiple organizational and bureaucratic difficulties. Furthermore, a heartfelt thank you goes to institutions and sponsors who, with their support, made the success of the event possible and the donation of the proceeds to the projects of the Caritas Antoniana.
As well as commemorating Sant ‘Antonioa much loved figure in Padua, the event aims to promote the equestrian tourism and to raise awareness among citizens of the importance of the horse, used by man as the main means of transport for more 10,000 years. The event sees the participation of the main Venetian equestrian tourism groups. In addition to the riders of “Sentieri e Cavalli”, other equestrian associations from the Veneto will be present, such as “Green Jackets of Veneto”The “Friends of the Lungo Brenta Horse” And “Nature on Horseback”. In Veneto, tens of thousands of horses and riders cultivate the passion for equestrian tourism, and the initiative of June 16th represents an important opportunity for these associations to unite and collaborate, with the common objective of enhancing, through the horse, culture and our splendid territory, rich in history and architectural heritage. Finally, it is important to remember that these horse-tourism associations in the Veneto have collaborated with theTourism Department of the Veneto Region to the drafting of the new regional law. This rule provides for the restoration of old bridle paths and the creation of new green waysthus offering the possibility of moving on horseback throughout the regional territory and connecting with neighboring regions.
